If you've ever thought about taking a vacation and exploring the
Philippines, now would be the best time to turn that idea into a
reality.
It doesn't matter if you want a quiet retreat or a thrilling
adventure; whether you're planning your honeymoon or just going out with
friends, there is no shortage of options in the upcoming 23
rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) this coming August 10 to 12 at the SMX convention Center in Pasay City.
Now bigger than ever, the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)—the
longest-running travel trade show in the country—is set to showcase the
Philippines in the upcoming
Sale ng Bayan. Featuring heritage and eco-adventure tours from all over the Philippines, the 23
rd PTM is the result of various familiarization and exploration trips that bring new tour products into the market every year.
The annual event is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators
Association (PHILTOA), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism.
With almost 250 exhibitors presenting their tour products through
colorful pavilions and booths, the
Sale ng Bayan will also launch
“Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways”—joint group tours that cover various locations from all over the Philippines. These 4-day to 8-day tours pool local,
balikbayan,
and foreign tourists together to avail of special packages that would
have otherwise cost a lot of money if done individually. Featured tours
include the
Batanes-Cagayan Northern-scape,
Cordilleras Cultural Weekend Warrior Caravan,
Central Visayas Backdoor tour, and the
Tuna-T'Boli trail, among others.
“It has always been our goal to outdo ourselves every year,” says
PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz, who is also the chairman of the upcoming
PTM. “Innovation is key. We've been working closely with tour operators
and government agencies alike to offer newer, better products yearly.”
Like most trade shows, the PTM will still feature classic destinations
such as Bohol, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. Also not to be missed are the
individual tour packages that have anywhere from 70 to 80% discounted
prices, such as “Kulinarya” (Binondo food trip for as low as P648),
“Health and Wellness” (Tagaytay Wellness trip for as low as P2900),
“Festivals” (Panagbenga trip for as low as P5500), and many more. Aside
from the endless array of tour products in the country's biggest
gathering of tour operators, the PTM will also provide informative
seminars for students dubbed as
Byahe-info. Also scheduled is an
Eco Chorale Competition, a
Folk Dance Competition, and even a
Tourism Quiz Bee—ensuring educational activities for everyone in attendance.
It's more fun in the Philippines!
1:46 AM
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Your Bantayan Escapade wouldn't be complete without visiting the islets of Bantayan, specially Virgin Island (but technically an islet). A 15-minute ride from Sta. Fe using a motorized boat which usually rented up to Php800. Actually, we had no plan of going there since we were about to leave at 12:00pm that day. However, we were offered with a good deal at Php600 for a boat fee. We were unsure at first but then eventually decided to grab it. Before we left, we bought fresh squid+charcoal and rice. No foods are being sold in the islet so don't forget to bring some for lunch. You could just find sea foods sold on residential area just near the Sta. Fe Beach and let the Bangkero cook it in the Island but still you have to pay the resources used for cooking like spices and etc. Upon entry at Virgin Islet, you will need to pay Php200 per person as entrance fee and Php50 for the cottage rental. 
